We heard about this last week, but wanted to get a few more details from Unique Performance before we passed it on.  You’ve heard of the GT-500E (the ultimate production “resto-mod”) and/or the Foose Mustang?  They’re both produced by Unique Performance, located in the Dallas area.  Not only do they have an incredible shop — which we’ll be featuring here on Toolmonger next week — but they’re also organizing a blowout to which the public is invited.

The shindig takes place on October 14, 2006 at Unique Performance’s facility at 13950 Seniac Drive in Farmer’s Branch, Texas.  Chip Foose will headline the event, and Unique’s press release indicates others have been invited as well including Caroll Shelby — the Caroll Shelby — Kid Rock, A.J. from Overhaulin’, and some various sports stars.  We know Rock doesn’t sell cars (and why), but maybe he’ll play a bit, yeah?

Starting at 10 a.m. and running until 3 p.m., the event is co-sponsored by Sam Pack’s Auto Group, a Dallas area Ford dealer — and exclusive North Texas dealer for the Foose Stallion Mustang – with a portion of proceeds benefitting the Progeria Research Foundation and Holy Angels.  Admission to the public is free, and classes are planned for numerous makes and models of vintage and contemporary performance vehicles including cars and motorcycles.  Some of the “proceeds” will be generated by those who sign up for a special corral limited to 100 hentrants that will include a private meet and greet with Chip Foose as well as a photo with him.

So, mark your calendars.  We certainly’ll be there.

Unique Performance [Corporate Website]

That’s a great question.  And we have a great answer:  We were on the road picking up a couple of new projects for the shop — projects which you’ll hear quite a bit about in the coming weeks here on Toolmonger.

We’ve also been busy in the shop testing tools, and you’ll be seeing significantly more hands-on posts in the coming weeks.

Another quick update:  We’re nearing the end of the Game Chair Giveaway, and we’ll be drawing the winner from valid comments at the end of the month.  The best news, though, is that even if you don’t win the game chair, you’ll have another chance to win in August.  We’ve got a really cool giveaway lined up for next month, and we’ll again follow the same format using your valid comments during the month of August as entries to win.  Believe us when we tell you that you’re going to love the August prize.  We’ll announce it on the 31st.

We appreciate all your comments, and you should know that we do take them to heart.  We’ve made a number of changes to Toolmonger during June and July based on requests, comments, and information provided to us by readers.  So, if you’re particularly interested in a story, let us know.  (Or, let us know if we’re telling you things you could care less about — either way.)  We appreciate your input, and we hope to continue to improve Toolmonger to provide you the most information and entertainment we can.

We’d like to take this opportunity to wish you and yours a happy July 4th holiday. 

We’re taking a (we believe) well-deserved day off today to spend some time with our families, eat some BBQ, and watch some fireworks, but we’ll be back tomorrow with a full load of tools, tools, tools.

Each year the INPEX new invention trade show offers inventors the opportunity to pitch their inventions to businesses seeking the “next big thing” in their respective industries.  This year’s INPEX show — June 7th -10th, 2006 in Pittsburgh, PA. – will include Bosch, Dremel, Skil, and RotoZip, as well as a number of non-tool manufacturers. 

Bosch specifically seeks new products that fall into these catagories: 

• Rotary tool attachments and accessories for hobby/craft/DIY, and also for professionals
• Application ideas for power tools and rotary tools
• Power tool products and accessories
• Power tool gift giving ideas and concepts (Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Christmas, etc.)
• Yard care, gardening and cleaning tools

If you have a tool invention to show or if you’d just like to get a preview of what’s to come in the tool industry, the Inpex website still has an entry form available for exhibitors and attendees.

And since we can’t make it, if you see something exciting there don’t forget to drop us a line and tell us about it.

INPEX: The Invention Show [inventionshow.com]
June 2006 Tradeshow Entry/Info form [INPEX]

According to their website:

“The International Woodworking Machinery & Furniture Supply Fair-USA® is one of the world’s largest trade shows for the furniture manufacturing, cabinetry, architectural woodwork, moulding and millwork, custom and general woodworking industries - and it’s more than just woodworking. IWF also meets the needs of the engineered wood product, wood composite and substitute, display and store fixture, plastic fabricating, flooring, surfacing and laminating, and upholstery industries. All in one place, All at one show. “

Though the show is primarily targeted at buyers, badges are only $25 at the door ($10 if you register by July 21), and there appears to be all kinds of interesting things there even for the home enthusiast.

IWF 2006 [IWF 2006 Website]